This has been some really helpful information, and has in the case of my blaster, who has skipped the Hollows entirely, been in keeping with her experience. I'm REALLY hoping some others come back and read this as it's a tad on the oldish side...
The math just does not work for my lvl 36 healer, who has a grand total of 18 contacts, 4 of which are in the Hollows. She's gone back and talked to every 'outworld' contact and every one has nothing for her. At 5 per tier, she should be up to at LEAST 31 contacts by now. My lvl 20 blaster just got her next round and is up to 25 contacts. Anbody have a CLUE as to what might have happened? For the time being, I'm blaming The Hollows...